Sports Can Restore Societal Discipline, Rev. Tarpeh Asserts

Veteran Liberian educator Rev. Luther Tarpeh has decried the breakdown of discipline in Liberian society and asserted that sports can play a pivotal role in restoring it.

Rev. Tarpeh, who also serves as the National Chairman of the ruling Unity Party, emphasized the need for continued investment in sports, describing it as an essential component of the educational journey for young people. He made these remarks on Friday, November 15, 2024, at an event organized by Zone Three of the Inter-School Sports Association (ISSA) in Paynesville, which brought together schoolchildren from various institutions.

The veteran educator lamented the erosion of discipline in Liberia, attributing it partly to the influence of Western civilization. He expressed particular concern about the growing issue of substance abuse, which he said has relegated thousands of Liberian youth to ghettos, cemeteries, and street corners, jeopardizing the country’s future.

“This excessive focus on child rights being propagated in our schools does not align with our African context of raising children. That’s why we see so many kids involved in drugs. I remember, as a young man, you wouldn’t dare be seen with a cigarette in your hand. Back then, anyone in the community could discipline you because it was everyone’s responsibility to prepare you for the future,” Rev. Tarpeh reflected.

Rev. Tarpeh, who owns Best Brain Academy and Best Brain University, applauded Liberia Football Association (LFA) President Mustapha Raji for pledging to ban students caught smoking or engaging in other harmful behaviors during the school league.

“Inter-school sports are essential in shaping the psychological mindset of our children, helping them advance in their studies. As an educator, I know these young people are our future. I’m glad President Raji and the LFA are showing concern in this regard,” he said.

Rev. Tarpeh also stressed the importance of setting academic benchmarks for student-athletes, stating that students should maintain a certain grade point average to be eligible for school sports. “Children love sports—football, kickball, basketball, and so forth. If you tell them they can’t play on the school team unless they meet a certain grade, it serves as a motivating factor. This requires a collaborative effort from parents, school administrators, and sports stakeholders,” he added.

On a national level, Rev. Tarpeh announced his intention to officially join Invincible Eleven (IE), revealing ongoing consultations with IE Acting President Senator Jonathan Sogbie. He fondly recalled how the entire country used to come to a standstill during matches between IE and Barrolle and urged the revival of that national spirit.

Meanwhile, ISSA Zone Three Coordinator J. Melton Yoko, speaking with reporters after the event, disclosed that 48 schools have registered for this year’s academic league season. He highlighted several measures to safeguard the students, including the hiring of security personnel during games and the presence of medical staff to handle any injuries.